Rheumatoid lung disease is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, and chest pains. It can lead to serious complications such as lung collapse and high blood pressure. There is no cure, but medications can provide symptom relief. Early diagnosis is important, and treatment may involve corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs.
Rheumatoid lung disease is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that also causes joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis-related lung disorders don’t always cause noticeable symptoms or long-term health problems, although you can experience difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pains. An untreated case of rheumatoid lung disease can lead to lung collapse and high blood pressure. There is no proven cure for rheumatoid arthritis or the resulting lung problems, but prescribed medications can usually provide symptom relief and reduce the chances of serious complications.
Doctors do not fully understand the causes of rheumatoid lung disease or the underlying autoimmune disease. Medical research shows that people who have a family history of arthritis and lung problems have a much higher risk of developing the condition. Rheumatoid lung disease can affect a person of any age, although it is more common in women over the age of 40.
The immune system of a person with rheumatoid arthritis releases chemicals that cause inflammation in joint tissue. The result is frequent or chronic joint pain, swelling, fever, and fatigue. Rheumatoid lung disease occurs when the immune system response affects the lining of the lungs and joints. Dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and sharp chest pains develop and worsen as the condition progresses. Lung inflammation can lead to a number of serious problems, including pneumonia, dangerously high blood pressure, airway constriction and lung collapse.
A person experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid lung disease should visit their doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and learn about treatment options. Early diagnosis is important as the condition becomes much more difficult to manage once it causes significant inflammation and scarring of the lungs. A doctor can do x-rays and computed tomography scans to determine the location and extent of damage to the lung tissue. Your doctor may also take a small sample of fluid and tissue from the lining of a lung to confirm that an autoimmune disease is the real cause of your symptoms.
Mild cases of rheumatoid lung disease typically do not require aggressive treatment. A doctor may decide to start or change the course of medicines taken for rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are often used to reduce the response of the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation in the lungs and joints. If a lung collapses or blood pressure rises dramatically, a patient must be taken to the emergency room for immediate oxygen therapy and intensive medical care.
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